According to IIUM, Solehah lost her affiliation following a series of viral, controversial historical claims, including a theory that ancient Malays could fly and taught "flying kungfu" to people in China.
University Action and Official Restrictions
The IIUM Office of Communications, Advocacy, and Promotion stated on Sunday, August 23, that Solehah is strictly prohibited from using any titles, positions, or official associations linked to the university. According to the institution’s public announcement, she is no longer a professor and holds no right to claim any ties to the campus. The university noted that the restrictions apply to promotional materials, media reports, publications, and advertisements to prevent misunderstandings and protect the institution’s academic reputation and integrity.
Did you know? IIUM is considered as one of the leading Islamic universities in the world.
Industrial Court Appeal and Prior Controversies
Following her termination, Solehah filed an appeal at the Industrial Court of Malaysia, accusing the university administration of acting unprofessionally. Her public profile rose in November 2025 after she claimed that ancient Romans may have learned shipbuilding techniques from Malay sailors. That specific assertion prompted Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, to publicly urge university academics to avoid making claims outside their primary fields of expertise. IIUM previously clarified that Solehah’s theories did not represent the official stance of the university.
More recently, Solehah sparked additional debate among scholars and the general public by advancing a theory linking the abundance of iron ore deposits in Kedah, Malaysia, to ancient meteor showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dr Solehah Yaacob dismissed from IIUM?
According to IIUM announcements, she was terminated from her academic position following a series of controversial and viral historical claims that conflicted with institutional standards.
What specific claims did Solehah make?
Her contested theories include claims that ancient Malays could fly and taught flying kungfu to the Chinese, that ancient Romans learned shipbuilding from Malay sailors, and that Kedah’s iron ore deposits originated from past meteor showers.
How has the university enforced her separation?
IIUM banned her from using any university-related titles, official positions, or institutional affiliations in media reports, advertisements, and promotional materials.
What legal steps has Solehah taken?
She filed an appeal against her termination at the Industrial Court of Malaysia, alleging that university officials acted unprofessionally.
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